NU-TRA (short for New Traditionalists) was formed in 2001 by brothers Vahe (vox, guitar, synth) and Eric (bass, synth bass, vox) Manoukian. The Manoukian brothers felt Los Angeles was boring and there was no real music scene anymore so they decided to start their own. Growing up with many different influences ranging from Devo to early punk rock, NU-TRA's sound is cutting edge, right down to the man made synthesizer sounds. NU-TRA began playing small clubs and parties with no drummer or keyboard player. Everything but guitar, bass, and
vocals were pre-recorded for playback. NU-TRA decided they needed a stronger line up with real drums, live synthesizers and more guitars so they recruited Shant (drums), Greg (synth, vocoder), and Abe (guitar, synth, vox). NU-TRA's line up is as solid as can be. NU-TRA decided to take advantage of technology and use it to it's fullest with opening and closing films and other mulitmedia. Members of NU-TRA all wear the same uniforms and move in sync to convey the lack of individuality... By doing this they are making themselves prime examples of what what is wrong with humans yet they speak against it at the same time.
NU-TRA live is a force to be reckoned with their combinations of high energy, sound design, theatrics and attitude. NU-TRA's songs have been used in the motion picture "Dumb and Dumberer", in Comedy Central's "Reel Comedy" series, and played on KROQ's Rodney on the Rock. NU-TRA chooses to swim against the musical current because conscious mutation is healthy.
"NU-TRA is more DEVO than we are". - Mark Mothersbaugh, DEVO.
"If you get us we are singing to you and if you don't get us we are singing about you."- Vahe, NU-TRA
Holy Nutrantos...The Beginning Was The End Demo, is PEP-O-LIC-IOUS!!!
Unless my monkeyglue deceives my furry ears, the new demo seems to have a sound/feel like Cheap Trick's Auf Weidersehen! A long wait for Nutrants for the new album, a peroid in which tragedy has fallen onto brothers Manoukian and NU-TRA. In time, with their music and vision, NU-TRA will rise over their loss AND continue to also help heal a world gone soft! Anticipation for the album is strong...the new demo is a sure sign of future glory and triumph. The Nutropolis studio is on F I R E....with ROCK AND ROLL!!!
